Employment Specialist

The Open Door Group• BC, CA, BC

4d•CA$32 - CA$34•Hybrid

About The Position

Open Door Group (ODG) is seeking an Employment Specialist to support residents living with mental health conditions in the Lower Mainland. This role is subject to funding approval. The Employment Specialist will support participants in pursuing meaningful employment, volunteer, training, and career development opportunities as part of their individual recovery journey, helping to build confidence, independence, social inclusion, and community connection. The role involves working closely with participants to identify their strengths, interests, skills, and employment goals, developing individualized employment action plans. Support includes career exploration, employment preparation, job search assistance, and navigating employment opportunities. The specialist will connect participants to relevant community resources, training, and support services. They will also actively engage employers, build relationships, identify employment opportunities, and support participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment. Collaboration with PCLA support teams is crucial for providing individualized employment support, including job coaching, workplace problem-solving, and employment retention supports. Services will be delivered in various settings, including residential sites, workplaces, community locations, and educational institutions. This position maintains a smaller active caseload of approximately 20 to 25 participants, allowing for more intensive individualized support, community-based service delivery, integrated planning with support teams, and meaningful employer engagement.

Requirements

Diploma in Social Sciences or a relevant discipline, and recent, related experience of three (3) years in a helping profession supporting individuals with disabilities and complex barriers, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Understanding of recovery-oriented and person-centred approaches when supporting individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Ability to identify and build upon participant strengths, interests, skills, and aspirations to support individualized employment goals.
Ability to develop and maintain employer relationships and identify employment opportunities aligned with participant interests and strengths.
Ability to foster positive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds, resolve conflicts diplomatically, and maintain composure under pressure.
Knowledge of employment barriers, job search strategies, and career development theories and principles.
Understanding of disability-related employment needs and accommodations.
Knowledge of local labour market trends and in-demand occupations.
Knowledge of community resources and wrap-around supports.
Time management skills combined with the ability to prioritize, strong organizational skills.
Attention to detail and accuracy in maintaining client records.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Valid Driver's License and satisfactory driver’s abstract required.
Access to a reliable personal vehicle for regular community travel.
Required to complete and maintain a satisfactory criminal record.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles or experience working within IPS-informed employment models is considered an asset.
Motivational Interviewing Training and Certification are considered an asset.
Trauma-Informed Practice Training and Certification are considered an asset.
CCDP Certification is considered an asset.
Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training (can be acquired after hire).
Mental Health First Aid Training (can be acquired after hire).

Responsibilities

Support participants in pursuing meaningful employment, volunteer, training, and career development opportunities.
Develop individualized employment action plans that align with participant recovery and career aspirations.
Provide career exploration, employment preparation, job search support, and assistance navigating employment opportunities.
Connect participants to relevant community resources, training, and support services.
Actively engage employers, build relationships, and identify employment opportunities.
Support participants in obtaining and maintaining meaningful employment.
Provide individualized employment support, including job coaching, workplace problem-solving, and employment retention supports.
Participate in integrated service planning to support participants in achieving their employment and recovery goals.
Deliver services in a variety of settings, including residential sites, workplaces, community locations, and educational institutions.